they buttons and joysticks are easy peasy to remap.. just tap the programming button (it'll blink), then simultaneously tap the button you want, and the keys on the keyboard you want it to map to, all at once.. I have two of those large button sets (I have both the Nintendo and C64 models, both came with the big buttons but only the c64 came with the joystick), and I can plug both of them into the keyboard along with the joystick. Each direction on the 4-way joystick operates similarly to the buttons, they map the same way. just depress the key(s) you want on the keyboard to map to, and then click the direction and viola.
The c64 edition I just bought seems like they darkened the case a bit from the one you reviewed, so it matches a bit more closely. Either that or it just looks that way based on my screen color calibration
I bought the Famicom version of this because it was on a deep discount but I don't feel the thick design works with those colors very well. Now I've bit the bullet and ordered the c64 version I actually wanted from the beginning 😄
Do you mean, can I connect it to the Pi and use it as a keyboard? If so, I've not tried, but can't image it would not. The only negative is that the keys do not have the PETSCII characters on them.
On this keyboard the F and J keys have a deeper curve rather than bumps. It's a nice touch. I've had more than a few actual vintage keyboards, but this is my favourite keyboard of all time.
they buttons and joysticks are easy peasy to remap.. just tap the programming button (it'll blink), then simultaneously tap the button you want, and the keys on the keyboard you want it to map to, all at once.. I have two of those large button sets (I have both the Nintendo and C64 models, both came with the big buttons but only the c64 came with the joystick), and I can plug both of them into the keyboard along with the joystick. Each direction on the 4-way joystick operates similarly to the buttons, they map the same way. just depress the key(s) you want on the keyboard to map to, and then click the direction and viola.
Thanks for sharing this how-to, it's great information to have. Comment pinned for others and can't wait to try this myself.
Great review. I just ordered one on Black Friday discount
Good deals right now. You will enjoy it. Thanks for the comment.
thanks for review :-) and greetings from Poland, Europe :-)
You are welcome and thanks for sending the greetings!
Someone needs to find a way to embed a Raspberry Pi C64 emulator in that thing for a real C64 experience.
Ya know? We might be able to sneak a Raspberry Pi zero in there and run VICE. Does BMC64 work on a zero? Hmmmm….
Fantastic review and an excellent keyboard.
Thanks so much and glad you like the review. More to come.
my first computer was a Vic 20, and not the c64 (thanks Dad) - but ordering one of these anyway.
Mine was a VIC-20 as well but until they come out with that model, we'll just have to enjoy the C64 variant. Thanks for the comment!
Im planning on playing some old school sierra games with this keyboard with navy switches! Can't wait!
That's a fabulous idea. You are going to love the way this keyboard feels. Let me know what you think when it arrives.
Is there a TRS-80-style retro keyboard out there? That was my first computer and I miss it.
Not that I've seen, but will keep my eyes out.
The c64 edition I just bought seems like they darkened the case a bit from the one you reviewed, so it matches a bit more closely. Either that or it just looks that way based on my screen color calibration
Or could be the lighting in my studio. Thanks for the comment and let's see if anyone else notices color shifting.
I bought the Famicom version of this because it was on a deep discount but I don't feel the thick design works with those colors very well. Now I've bit the bullet and ordered the c64 version I actually wanted from the beginning 😄
Good choice!
@retrocombs-tech and thanks for the good overview. I subbed
@@piotr78 Good to have you as a subscriber and thanks for the kind words.
Does it have key lightning?
No backlight keyboard. Sorry. But then neither did the C64! 😆
what I mean BMC64z doesn’t recognize every USB device. So if you have a pi installed with bmc64 v3.9 …does it work ?
We'll have to see if others have given it a try. I don't have a BMC64 setup at the moment.
Is it working with BMC64 ?
Do you mean, can I connect it to the Pi and use it as a keyboard? If so, I've not tried, but can't image it would not. The only negative is that the keys do not have the PETSCII characters on them.
Are there bumps on the F and J keys?
Yep, I have them too and it’s normal :D
Thanks for helping out!
On this keyboard the F and J keys have a deeper curve rather than bumps. It's a nice touch. I've had more than a few actual vintage keyboards, but this is my favourite keyboard of all time.